Karen Borchgrevink’s Post

Authoritarianism is on the rise. This is true globally, and now with Trump’s return to the White House, we can expect similar trends in the United States. One prominent example is the so-called "nonprofit killer” bill" (H.R. 9495) which would give the Treasury Department the power to strip U.S. nonprofits of their tax exempt status without due process and based on no evidence – as long as the nonprofit is deemed to “support terrorism”. The bill passed the House on Nov. 21 (Happy Thanksgiving!) and is now moving on to the Senate… We need your help now more than ever to protect civil society from the further weaponization of national security laws. We have worked to push back on these developments since 9/11. Now, we expect to see even more policies that would impede an even broader waterfront of civil society efforts. Over 200 humanitarian, peacebuilding, development, and human rights organizations across the globe are members of C&SN, and their work is threatened by sweeping counter-terrorism measures like HR 9495. Many of these groups don’t issue appeals. Not because they don’t need support, but often because they don’t have the capacity for dedicated fundraising staff. With your donation on this Giving Tuesday we will continue to advocate for their rights and develop the resources they need to ensure their life-saving work continues, unabated, from the abuse of national security laws. Consider donating to C&SN on this Giving Tuesday ➡️ https://bit.ly/3VkgNQS

H.R. 9495 essentially combines three items: 1) Postponement of tax deadlines for hostages and individuals wrongfully detained abroad; 2) Refund and abatement of penalties and fines paid by eligible individuals; and 3) Termination of tax-exempt status of terrorist supporting organizations. I've yet to talk to another individual who takes issue with 1 and 2, but this is unfortunately another example of how bad legislation gets written and passed. As I read the bill, Section 4 (#3) would allow the government to terminate the tax-exempt status of nonprofits by giving the Secretary of Treasury the authority to designate any organization a "terrorist-supporting organization". The threats to the constitutional rights of free speech and protest notwithstanding, I am fearful of what this would mean for nonprofits to carry out their work in an environment free of government overreach. For example, Open Heart Kitchen does not ask the immigration status of any of our guests because we believe that food is a basic human right. This bill is flawed in so many ways - putting the onus on the nonprofit to prove it has done nothing wrong, with a 90-day window to do so, rather than the normal process of the burden of proof being placed on the accuser, to name one - but it also seeks to stifle speech against injustice. Most people I know love charity because it's rarely controversial and generally doesn't cost us much to offer it. Justice, however, unnerves us because it forces us to evaluate power structures - who benefits, who doesn't, who calls the shots, who suffers the consequences "downstream". But charity will not alone solve the most persistent problems and challenges facing us today. Only an honest conversation about power will, and you can't talk about power without calling out injustice. All nonprofits, regardless of where they appear to fall on the political spectrum, stand to lose a great deal if this bill passes and, ultimately, it will be the people who rely on us who will suffer the most if it does.

📣*Help Ensure Justice in Canadian Funding! 🇨🇦📜*📣 🚨*Action Required*🚨 Brothers and sisters, We need your voice! Over $1 billion has gone from Canadian charities to Isr@el, funding actions like illegal settlements and military activities against P@lestini@ns. 🚫💵 🔍 *What’s happening:* - Taxpayer money might be supporting activities against international law. - Groups like Mizrachi Organization of Canada are linked to funding oppressive actions in G@za. 📢 *We demand:* - 🕵️♂️ Immediate investigations into these charities. - ❌ Revoking charitable status for violators. - 🛑 Preventing future violations. 👉 *Sign the Petition:* https://lnkd.in/ev98wG4y Your action can drive change! #justice #ActionforPalestine

ACTION NEEDED: Protect Nonprofits from Dangerous Legislation! A new bill in Congress, H.R. 9495, threatens nonprofits everywhere by giving the government unchecked power to label any nonprofit as a "terrorist supporting organization" and revoke its tax-exempt status—without requiring evidence or due process. While this bill is intended to combat terrorism, it sets a dangerous precedent that could jeopardize the essential services nonprofits provide to communities. Nonprofits like ours—and the people we serve—deserve protection, not unwarranted attacks. What’s Happening? The House of Representatives will consider H.R. 9495 this week, with a vote likely on Wednesday, November 20th. We must act quickly to oppose this harmful legislation. Take Action Now: Sign the Petition through the IS Action Center to oppose H.R. 9495. https://lnkd.in/g3UantM7 Call Your Congressional Representative and tell them to vote NO on H.R. 9495. Find your Representative here: https://lnkd.in/eZqPR2C Spread the Word on social media: Tag your Representative and urge them to oppose H.R. 9495. Sample post: "Nonprofits are the backbone of our communities. #HR9495 threatens due process and risks critical services for vulnerable populations. [@YourRepresentative], vote NO on H.R. 9495 to #ProtectNonprofits!" This bill has failed twice before, and we must ensure it fails again. Our democracy and nonprofit sector depend on it. Together, we can make our voices heard. Contact your Representative and spread the word today! #ProtectNonprofits #StopHR9495 #NonprofitAdvocacy #TVNPA #CalNonprofits #Advocacy #Nonprofit #Nonprofits

Women in Afghanistan are among the most vulnerable people in the world. To be a woman who worked alongside the United States in Afghanistan is even more dangerous. Imagine waking up every day knowing that the brutal Taliban regime can imprison you, harm you, or worse, simply for being a woman. This is the heartbreaking reality for Afghan women who are already fleeing violence, seeking freedom and safety. But there is hope. The Mission Possible Campaign, launched by No One Left Behind, aims to raise $250,000 to directly support 50 women Afghan SIV applicants traveling alone. These women have risked everything to help the U.S. mission and now face the unbearable choice of staying in a country where their rights are non-existent, or escaping to freedom. We can't do this alone. Every donation helps bring these women out of harm's way, every dollar contributes to their freedom, and every minute counts. We need your help. Donate now, and be a part of this mission to bring freedom to these women who deserve a future. https://lnkd.in/gBTsYEvf  Help us raise $250,000. Help us bring them to safety.

It’s ironic how little we transfer learnings from one situation to another. In the aid industry, we moved past providing goods as it weakens resilience. We catalyze with cash and knowledge transfer. This approach has eluded the military minds of the world. Arms for Ukraine are good. Better is to invest directly in Ukraine’s defense industry. It is one of the most innovative and the most cost efficient defense bases in the world. It has excess capacity and just needs cash to the right places. We formed Mits Capital to bring investment to unlock Ukraine’s domestic capabilities. This week we will invest in six companies, five of which will enter our accelerator program this month. This an obvious approach to anyone in the international aid business. Yet it escapes NATO leadership. #ukraine #slavaukraine Boycott Russia Stop Business With Russia

Today, Lebanon faces conflict that echoes the tragic events of the Beirut barracks bombing, which occurred 41 years ago, claiming the lives of 241 U.S. service members—most of them Marines. Their sacrifice serves as a powerful reminder and inspiration for our mission at Grey Bull Rescue. For months, our dedicated operations team has been on the ground in Beirut, working tirelessly to rescue civilians at risk of extreme violence. As the situation escalates, we are actively rescuing Americans by air, land, and sea. With around 86,000 Americans still in Lebanon, our commitment to ensuring no one is left behind is more critical than ever. Our highly trained team of Grey Bull Rescue Operators and Case Managers stands ready to assist those in need. In these challenging times, we hold fast to our core value: "Don't be a Spectator." We cannot do this work without the generosity of our donors and volunteers. As the world gets more dangerous, we all need to band together to ensure that no Americans get left behind in times of crisis. Your support can make a life-saving difference. 🆘 If you have a loved one in need, please reach out here: [Request Help](https://lnkd.in/eYW6uRXS). 🆘 If you’re able to contribute, please donate here: [Pledge Your Support](https://lnkd.in/ehsb6T6U). #BeirutNeverForgotten #GreyBullRescue #ServingWithHonor #BeirutMemorial #SemperFi #GreyBullRescue #Beirut #Labanon #Evacuations #Rescue #MiddleEast #Nonprofit

Today, Lebanon faces conflict that echoes the tragic events of the Beirut barracks bombing, which occurred 41 years ago, claiming the lives of 241 U.S. service members—most of them Marines. Their sacrifice serves as a powerful reminder and inspiration for our mission at Grey Bull Rescue. For months, our dedicated operations team has been on the ground in Beirut, working tirelessly to rescue civilians at risk of extreme violence. As the situation escalates, we are actively rescuing Americans by air, land, and sea. With around 86,000 Americans still in Lebanon, our commitment to ensuring no one is left behind is more critical than ever. Our highly trained team of Grey Bull Rescue Operators and Case Managers stands ready to assist those in need. In these challenging times, we hold fast to our core value: "Don't be a Spectator." We cannot do this work without the generosity of our donors and volunteers. As the world gets more dangerous, we all need to band together to ensure that no Americans get left behind in times of crisis. Your support can make a life-saving difference. 🆘 If you have a loved one in need, please reach out here: [Request Help](https://lnkd.in/eYW6uRXS). 🆘 If you’re able to contribute, please donate here: [Pledge Your Support](https://lnkd.in/ehsb6T6U). #BeirutNeverForgotten #GreyBullRescue #ServingWithHonor #BeirutMemorial #SemperFi #GreyBullRescue #Beirut #Labanon #Evacuations #Rescue #MiddleEast #Nonprofit

Fall 2024 Impact Report 📝 We've made significant strides in our fight against human trafficking. We answered 45 hotline calls, donated 14 backpacks to victims and survivors, and educated over 221 individuals. Read more in our efforts using the link below! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eAFXCzqH Together we can #StopHumanTrafficking!